Flight Tickets to Chiang Mai airport

Discover Chiang Mai

Flights to Chiang Mai

With an exciting history that goes back to 1200s, Chiang Mai is one of the most exotic destinations in Thailand. The city serves as the capital of the Chiang Mai Province of North Thailand. The city is sprawling on an area of 40.216 km2 of land, is at an elevation of 310 meters above sea level and has a population of over 2.5 million, making it the fifth largest city in Thailand. Chiang Mai is situated amongst the highest mountains in the country and the Ping River flows here. The city has positioned itself to become a Creative City and was listed among the “25 Best Destinations in the World" on TripAdvisor's 2014 list. Chiang Mai which is also spelt as Chiengmai" or "Chiangmai is the most significant cultural city in North Thailand and Nakhon Ping, Srivijaya, Mengrai, and Kawila are the four wards that the city has been divided into. While central Thai is the official language of the city, the local speak Kham Muang. English is spoken by the educated inhabitants of the city along with those involved in the city's tourism business.

Overview

Passengers travelling to Chiang Mai, land at the Chiang Mai International Airport, which is the only international airport serving the city. It is Thailand's fourth largest airport and serves more than 5.3 million passengers, 43,000 flights and 18,000 tons of cargo annually. Chiang Mai enjoys a tropical wet type of climate and experiences warm to hot weather year-round. During the dry season nighttime temperatures is much less compared to the temperatures during the day time. During summer, from March till Amy it gets very hot and uncomfortable. Rainy season begin from May and lasts till September and while the humidity levels might be high but during these moths the scenic beauty of Chiang Mai is at its best. The months from October to February can be tagged as winter season; however the city does not experience extreme cold. This is the major tourist season and the price of the hotels is very high. Loi Krathong in November, Songkran in mid-April, Chiang Mai Flower Festival in February and Tam Bun Khan Dok are the major festivals celebrated in Chiang Mai.

City Attractions

Start your city tour with a trip to Wat Prathat Doi Suthep which is beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Buddha. The main attraction of the temple is its location, on top of a mountain and tourists can reach the temple by hiking up the mountain or getting on a songthaew. Doi Pui is a small Hmong Village and is the best place to learn more about the tribes that live here. Hand-woven textiles, handmade jewelry, tea, and other goods made by locals can also be bought. Doi Inthanon, the highest peak in Thailand also houses a national park and the scenic beauty of this place is worth enjoying. A hill tribe village and a waterfall are added attractions here.

Wat Chedi Luang (beautiful structure with massive elephant carvings on it), Wat Prasingh (another charming temple structure located in Old City), Chiang Mai Gate Market (for best street food), Sunday Walking Street (another pedestrian shopping and foodie's haven), Documentary Arts Asia (a unique gallery that holds regular documentary and Asian film screenings and events related to the political and humanitarian situations throughout Asia), Elephant Nature Park (where you can spend a day with elephant), Tiger Kingdom (here you can pet the tigers and take pictures), Bua Thong Sticky Waterfalls (a popular picnic spot), Huay Tung Tao (another picnic spot) and Eakachai Houseboat at Mae Ngat Dam ( to see floating houses) are the main attractions tourists cannot afford to miss here.

Eating and Shopping

If you want to relish the best food in Chiang Mai, then hit the streets and enjoy the local delicacies which are sold at the numerous road side stalls. For the conscious travellers, various fine dining eateries and decent restaurant are also available. Similar to any city in Thailand, Thai is the most popular cuisine enjoyed by the locals and some of the specialties one should not miss are - khao soi, hang ley (Lanna-style pork curry), Miang kham, Khan toke, Sai Oua, Nam Prik Ong, Gaeng Hang Lay, Knanom Jeen Nam Ngeow, Tam Khanun, Larb Kau and Garng Hoh. The city has numerous food markets and night markets various local dishes can be savored.

A wonderful shopping destination, Chiang Mai is known for its local crafts and cheap trinkets which can be bought from the various malls and shopping centers. Central Plaza Chiang Mai Airport and Kad Suan Keaw are the two shopping malls selling electronic goods and branded stuffs. Night Bazaar, Saturday Walking Market, Sunday Walking Market and Warorot Market are the major shopping markets located in the city and from here tourists should not miss purchasing handmade wares, fabrics, spices, tea, dried fruit, local crafts, tourist-oriented trinkets and pirated gears.